Persistent Digital Identifiers (UIDs)
ORCID :
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1009-726X
Job Type
Teaching/Education
Research
Technical Advice & Consulting
Subject Area
Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Activities
Dr. Prachi Hatkar is a leading marine conservationist working at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement to protect India’s coastal and marine biodiversity. She currently serves as a Senior Project Officer at DES Pune University and was previously associated with the Wildlife Institute of India, contributing to the national CAMPA-funded dugong recovery programme.
Her research expertise spans dugong habitat assessment, sea turtle and sea snake ecology, and seagrass ecosystem conservation, with a strong focus on stakeholder-driven and community-led conservation strategies.
Dr. Hatkar also contributes to conservation governance and innovation as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Diu–Daman Forest Department, and is associated with emerging technologies such as the Andromeida underwater drone initiative. She is part of the IMO GloNoise Research Committee, working on monitoring and assessing the impacts of underwater noise on marine mammals.
Beyond research, she is a passionate science communicator, actively driving marine conservation awareness through public outreach, education, and community engagement, bridging the gap between science and society.
With over 21 research publications and 24 technical reports, her work has significantly contributed to evidence-based conservation planning and policymaking for endangered marine species in India.
She is also the first Indian woman to receive an international grant from the Women Divers Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in representation and leadership in marine science.
Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Bharat Gaurav Puraskar and the Dhaval Smruti Wildlife Savior Award.
